Transfer mechanism

ABSTRACT

A business machine such as an adding machine, cash register, or the like is provided with two accumulators which have respective sets of registers which are interleaved with one another and which are mounted on the same shaft. U-shaped bails interconnect lower order registers with associated registers representing higher digital orders. Camming surfaces and additional mechanisms operating on each transfer bail condition the bails to provide carries under appropriate conditions as the entire accumulator assembly is moved from its operating position to its rest position. By these arrangements, positive, simultaneous transfers are accomplished subsequent to the entry of digital information, in both of the two interleaved accumulators.

United States Patent 9/1963 Gang Primary Examiner-Stephen J. TomskyAttorneysAlan C. Rose, Morris l. Pollack and Alfred B.

Levine ABSTRACT: A business machine such as an adding machine, cashregister, or the like is provided with two accumulators which haverespective sets of registers which are interleaved with one another andwhich are mounted on the same shaft. U-shaped bails interconnect lowerorder registers with associated registers representing higher digitalorders. Camming surfaces and additional mechanisms operating on eachtransfer bail condition the bails to provide carries under appropriateconditions as the entire accumulator assembly is moved from itsoperating position to its rest position. By these arrangements,positive, simultaneous transfers are accomplished subsequent to theentry of digital information, in both of the two interleavedaccumulators.

PATENTEUDEB Hen 3,625,420

SHEET 1 BF 8 INVENTOR KENNETH F. OLDENBURG PATENTEUUEE mm 35251420 sum 2or 8 I FIG.3

ii 5 HUNDREDS ORDER I50 INVENTOR KE NNETH F. OLDENBURG PATENIED [1E0 mm7 y 3525420 SHEET 3 BF 8 F IG. 4 o. FIG. 4 11 u/v/rs o-a UMTS 9 TENS 0-8-r/vs 0-a FIGJLC FIG.4.- ;1

u/v/rs "5* UNITS 0-8 TENS 0- a TENS 9 F IG. 4e

UNITS 9 TENS INVENTOR KENNETH F. OLDENBURG PATENTEnnEc mn 3.625.420

F IG. 4w.

INVENTOR K ENNETH F. OLDENBURG PATENTED DEC 7 I97I SHEET 6 OF 8 INVENTORKENNETH F. OLDENBURG PATENIEDHEE 1191: 3525420 sum 8 or 8 F IG. 12

BAIL

ACCUMULATOR LATCH TRANSFER BA/LS /02 TRANSFER- WEDGE TIMER GEAR op/vsTAPE INVENTOR KENNETH F. OLDENBURG TRANSFER MECHANISM This inventionrelates to business machines, and more particularly to transfermechanisms for effecting carries in adding machines, cash registers, orthe like.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention is closelyrelated to two prior patent applications which disclose the structure ofa cash register. These cases are Kenneth F. Oldenburg, U.S. Pat.application, Ser. No. 50,064, filed June 26, I970, entitled BUSINESSMACHINE; and Paul Greskovics, U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 50,063,filed June 26, I970, entitled MECHANICAL MECHANISM.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Many different mechanicalmechanisms. have been proposed heretofore for implementing the transfersrequired in adding machines. Thus, when the five lowest order registersof an adding machine accumulator stand at 09,999," and a 1" is added tothe units order, the units order register is shifted to the state, thenext three registers must also be shifted to 0," and a final l isinserted at the highest order, so that the output from the accumulatorwill read l0,000.

A number of classic types of transfer mechanisms for implementing suchfunctions-are well known in the art. Some of these involve what is knownas a sequential carry where the carries successively trip over from theleast significant order to the most significant order. Other mechanismsrequire cumulative action from one order to the other with springs oftenproviding the driving force. In this regard, it is most desirable thatthe mechanical forces act positively to give the correct carry, ratherthan through spring actuation or through tolerances which may build upover several orders and thus produce errors.

In addition, the mode of application of power is important and morespecifically, mechanical power should not be transmitted through a longchain of mechanical elements. Instead, sufficient local power should beapplied at each order to positively actuate each of a full sequence oftransfers, even though many orders are involved. Overly complexmechanisms including large numbers of parts can also present problems.It is important to have as few parts as possible involved in thetransfer mechanisms, both to cut down possibilities for malfunctions andto simplify assembly of the business machine.

The transfer mechanism of the present invention includes a number ofnovel aspects. In accordance with one of these aspects, a singletransfer bail interconnecting adjacent registers of different digitalorder is designed to perform a large number of functions. Specifically,each transfer bail may include structural features selected from thefollowing: (I) a cam follower to sense the state of the lower orderregister, (2) a lower order actuating surface to receive bail positioninformation from the next lower order transfer bail, (3) a higher orderactuating surface to transmit bail position information and cooperate inshifting the position of the adjacent higher order transfer bail, (4) alatching portion, and (5) a transfer hook or extension to implement atransfer or carry once the transfer bail is shifted to the actuatedstate. The wedges which act on each pair of adjacent bails to establishtransfers represent another feature of the invention.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the accumulatorassembly includes two accumulators having two sets of registersinterleaved with one another and mounted on a single shaft. Twocorresponding sets of U-shaped transfer bails are provided forinterconnecting alternate registers forming a single accumulator toprovide a positive, simultaneous transfer which occurs subsequent to theentry of digital information.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, a positive,simultaneous transfer is accomplished subsequent to the entry of digitalinformation as the accumulator is being restored from its operatingposition to its rest position.

Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent from aconsideration of the following description and the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an assembly view of a business machine or cash registerembodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. IA is a fragmentary top view of the machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the cash register of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of certain key elements of the accumulatorassembly;

FIGS. 4(a) through 4(1') are a series of diagrammatic representations ofthe possible conditions of the transfer mechanism of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a single transfer bail;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the accumulator assembly of the businessmachine;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cash register of FIG.1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the certain critical operating parts of theaccumulator and the transfer mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the accumulator assembly showing the twointerleaved sets of registers and all of the transfer bails;

FIGS. wand 11 are side views and cross-sectional views, respectively, ofone of the cams which actuate the bails which figure in the accumulatortransfer operation; and

FIG. 12 is a timing chart for the business machine.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIG. I shows a cashregister in accordance with the invention in which the cash drawer 22forms a base for the mechanical and calculating portion of the cashregister 22. FIG. IA is a view from above showing the display windows 24and 26 which are visible to the cash register operator and displaywindow 28 which may be observed by the customer. The display window 24shows the subtotal, while the display windows 26 and 28 show identicalitem amounts.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cash register, showing the principalassemblies of the upper portion 22 of the cash register of FIG. 1. InFIG. 2, the principal components are the accumulator to which thepresent specification is primarily directed, the keyboard 200, theindicator 300, and the base and power unit 400. Also visible in FIG. 2are the transfer hooks forming part of the bails 102 which constitute animportant part of the accumulator operating mechanism.

The overall mode of operation of the cash register is described indetail in the above-referenced patent applications of Messrs. Oldenburgand Greskovics. However, referring to FIG. 2, it may be noted that theaccumulator moves down from a rest position into engagement withperforated digit tapes or racks, and then, following digitation by theoperation of the perforated digit tapes, the accumulator is raised toits rest position. The movement of the accumulator up and down isaccomplished by the sets of eccentrics 104. For clarity, theseeccentrics 104 and the plate in which they operate are shown twice inFIG. 2, both with the accumulator assembly, and with the base. The stopson the digit tapes are shown in FIG. 2 at 105. These stops move fromleft front to right rear in the showing of FIG. 2, until they engage adepressed key which stops their motion. The gears 106 of the accumulatorassembly I00 are meshed with the perforated digit tapes during thismovement of the tapes, and the gears are therefore rotated by an amountcorresponding to the digits recorded in the keyboard.

The transfer mechanism which forms the central subject of thisspecification will be described in connection with FIG. 3 of thedrawings. For purposes of clarity of description, only the essentialelements of the mechanism are included. To relate FIG. 3 with FIG. 2,the accumulator gears I06 shown in FIG. 2 are designated by thereference numerals I06, I06 and 106 in FIG. 3. As disclosed in moredetail elsewhere, the accumulator assembly actually includes two sets ofinterleaved registers each forming an accumulator. However, only one setof registers forming a single accumulator is shown in FIG. 3.

The central elements in the transfer mechanism are the transfer bailsI02, 102' and 102". The transfer hooks 108, 108' and 108" of thetransfer bails 102 are selectively coupled with the dowels or pins 110'which protrude from the register wheels 106. The register wheels ordiscs 106 include peripheral gear teeth 112, a cylindrical numbered area114 and a camming surface 116, having three cam levels 120, 122 and 124.

As discussed above, the accumulator wheels 106 are mounted on a singleshaft and, during an add operation, move down from the rest positioninto the operating position and then back to the rest position in thedirection indicated by the arrows 118 in the center of each of theregister wheels 106. The purpose of the transfer mechanism which isbeing described is to move the transfer hook 108 into couplingengagement position with a pin 110 of one of the transfer wheels when acarry should properly be included in the next higher order. Withreference to the right-hand bail 102, it may be seen that the transferhook 108 is in appropriate overlying relationship with one of the dowels110 associated with register wheel 106'. In passing, it may be notedthat even with the hook 108 in the latched actuating position, the pins110' still clear the hook to permit further rotation of gear 106'. Thetransfer hook 108, however, has not been rotated into its actuatedposition overlying any of the dowels 110" of register wheel 106".

Incidentally, the register wheel106 represents the least significant orunits order, while register wheel 106 represents the tens order andregister wheel 106" represents the hundreds order.

Each of the register wheels is provided with a camming surface 116. Thecamming surface has three elevations. One elevation corresponds to theregister digit positions through 8." A second elevation 122 representsthe digit 9, and a third elevation 124 is effective as a gear moves from9" to 0." A cam follower portion 126 on one arm of the transfer bail 102rides on the cam surface 120. Once a lower order register wheel haspassed through 0," its associated transfer bail locks into the mostadvanced clockwise position, as shown in FIG. 3, and a transfer in thenext higher order occurs as the accumulator register is restored fromits operating to its rest position. Thus, by way of example, in FIG. 3,it may be seen that the cam follower surface 126 of transfer bail 102 isresting on the surface 124 of the cam 120, thus rotating transfer bail102 to its extreme clockwise position so that the transfer hook 108overlies a pin 110' on the next higher order register wheel 106. Notefurther that the latch 1 28 associated with a comer 130 of transfer bail102 latches the transfer bail 102 into its operated position so that asthe units order register wheel 106 is rotated past the 0" state, thetransfer bail 102 remains in its fully operated counterclockwiseposition.

Similarly, of course, the tens and hundreds order registers areidentically interrelated. Thus, when the tens order register wheel 106'passes through the 0 state, the transfer bail 102 is latched into itsextreme counterclockwise position and transfer hook 108' is movedforward from the position shown in FIG. 3 so it overlies one of the pins110 and rotates register 106' when the accumulator assembly is movedupward. It may also be noted in FIG. 3, that the latch 128' is notlatched into position on the comer 130 of transfer bail 102', but ismerely biased into engagement with its outer surface.

In the foregoing description, we have discussed a simple, one-stagetransfer from one order to the next higher order. The more difficultcase is where a series of registers are set in the 9 state and anadditional unit is added to the lowest order register. In this case, amore complex sequence is required for implementing the transfer.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the tens and the hundreds orderwheels are in the 9" position and the units order has just been actuatedthrough 0." Under these conditions, both the tens order register wheelI06 and the hundreds order register wheel 106' must be advanced by oneunit as the accumulator register is shifted back in the verticaldirection to its rest position. There is no problem with the primarytransfer for the tens order resulting from the unit order having reached0" or passed through 0." This causes the rotation of transfer bail 102as described above so that the latch 128 engages comer of the bail 102and the transfer hook 108 is latched into the transfer condition.

However, the situation with the hundreds order is slightly more complex.Thus, the transfer bail 102' has not been rotated into the latchedposition. Instead, the cam follower surface 126 is resting on thesurface 122' representing the 9" condition of register wheel 106' of thetens order. The additional transfer is accomplished by the action of thewedge 132 and its interaction with the actuation surfaces 134 on bail102 and 136' on bail 102'. The wedge 132 is moved forward, to the rightand upward in the showing of FIG. 3 and is initially controlled in itsangle of engagement with surfaces 136' and 134. If cam follower surface126' is in any of the l through 8 states, the wedge 132 will ride overthe top of the tail associated with surface 136' on transfer bail 102.Then, of course, no rotation of transfer bail 102' will occur. However,if cam follower surface 126' is in engagement with the 9" surface 122'of the cam, and if transfer bail 102 is latched up in a counterclockwisedirection so that surface 134 is located in a relatively high position,then wedge 132 will push on surface 136 and rotate transfer bail 102' inthe clockwise direction so that it will be latched up into the transferposition. This will, of course, be accomplished by latch 128' engagingcorner 130' of transfer bail 102.

Similarly, wedge 132' will rotate bail 102" to the actuating position byits wedging action between surface 134 and 136". Thus, as bail 102' isbeing rotated into its latched position, wedge 132 will operate onsurface 136" of bail 102 so that, while the latching of bail 102' istaking place, full rotation of bail 102" to its operated position willalso take place. In connection with the foregoing description, attentionis particularly directed to the application of actuating forces at eachorder where transfers are taking place through the use of the wedgesI32, 132, etc.

Now that the principles underlying the mode of operation of the transferarrangements have been described, the mechanical implementation of theoperations described above will be further described, and details ofvarious mechanisms which are employed and the various possibleconditions of operation will be discussed.

In FIG. 3, the transfer bails 102 rotate about a shaft (not shown)located on a fixed axis I38. The lifting bail 140 also rotates aboutaxis 138. The bail 140 carries the shaft 142 which serves to positionthe transfer bails 102 during digitation, or rotation of the registers106 by the digit tapes. Specifically, the lifting bail 140 rotates toengage the lower surface of each transfer bail near the corner 130 androtate the bail to the 9" level. Were this not done, the suddenactuation of the cam follower surface 126 on the transfer bails mightthrow the transfer bails beyond the 9 level, so that they would beimproperly latched into the transfer state. The timing of this operationof the transfer bails is shown in the chart of FIG. 12 of the drawings.The cam operation of the lifting bail 140 will also be set forth ingreater detail below.

Incidentally, the recesses 144, in the lifting bail 140 and the hole 146in one end of the transfer bail 102, provide the securing points for acoil spring which bears against the latch 128 between the springretaining elements 148 to bias the latches 128 in the clockwisedirection and to exert a counterclockwise torque on the transfer bails102.

The wedge bail 150 pivots about the fixed axis 152 and carries thewedges 132 on shaft 154. The wedges each have a recess 156 which slideonto a fixed shaft when they are in the counterclockwise or retractedposition. As the wedges are cammed forward in the clockwise direction,they are initially guided by the fixed shaft (not shown) so that theirforward surfaces will properly engage surfaces 136 and 134; thereafter,as the slots I56 leave the fixed shaft, the' wedges are free to tiltupward or downward about the shaft 154 as required by the positions ofthe surfaces of the transfer bails. The timing of the actuation of thetransfer wedge is also shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 4(a) through 4(i) are a series of diagrams showing the operationof the wedges 132 for various possible sets of conditions of the unitsregister and the tens register.

Thus, in FIG. 4(a) the units cam is in the -to-8 position and the tenscam is also in the 0-to-8 position. Under these circumstances, the wedge132 rides over the top of the control tails carrying actuation surfaces134 and 136, and no actuation of the transfer bails occurs.

Similar action occurs in the situations depicted in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(a).The transfer bail 102 is already latched up into the transfer condition,and no transfer is appropriate for the hundreds order; accordingly, thetransfer wedge rides over the top of both control tails.

In FIG. 4(d), the control surface 136 is positioned for actuation if theunits control surface 134 were in the raised position; .however, withthe units transfer bail being in the 0 through 8" state, the wedgepasses into the space between the two control tails and no transferaction takes place.

The same situation exists in FIG. 4(e), with the wedge fitting betweenthe two control surfaces, but not actuating the higher order transferbail.

In FIG. 40'), step No. l, the wedge 132 is entering between the closelyspaced surfaces 134 and 136'. In FIG. 4(f), step No. 2, the wedge 132has actually forced surface 136 upward to rotate transfer bail 102' inthe clockwise direction and introduce a carry in the hundreds order.FIGS. 4(g), 4(h) and 4(i), show various arrangements where the wedgeperfonns no positive function but merely fit's between the units andtens control surfaces.

FIG. is a perspective view of the transfer bail 102 of FIG. 3. It hasbeen shown alone to emphasize the many functions performed by itsvarious components. Thus, as mentioned above, the surface 126 serves asa cam follower. The transfer hook 108 provides carry action as theaccumulator is restored from its operating to its rest positions. Thesurface 136 is a higher order actuating surface which, in combinationwith the wedge, produces carries in the next higher order underappropriate circumstances. The lower comer 130 of one arm of thetransfer bail 102 serves to engage the latch 128. In addition, the lowersurface 158 of the one control tail of the transfer bail 102 serves as astop to engage the lifting bail so that the angularposition of thetransfer bail may be accurately determined. The transfer bail 102 alsoincludes the hole 146 to which a biasing spring is secured to normallyrotate the bail in the counterclockwise direction.

As noted above, the transfer bail provides many closely interrelatedfunctions. Despite the many functions which it provides, it essentiallyis a simple sheet metal stamping with two bends. Because of the manyfunctions provided by this simple sheet metal stamping, simplicity inthe mechanical mechanism and ease of assembly are achieved.

In the balance of the detail description, many of the other mechanicalcomponents of the cash register will be described for purposes ofcompleteness.

In FIG. 6, the accumulator assembly 100 is shown from the rear. Abovethe accumulator assembly, slidable viewing arrangements 160 are providedto permit viewing one set of register wheels or the alternate set ofwheels which are interleaved with them. In this connection, it may benoted that in the particular business machine which is described, oneset of registers may provide the subtotal while the other set ofinterleaved register wheels provide the grand total for the day.

In FIG. 6, the digit tapes 162 actuate the register wheels 106 and 107by engagement with the respective sets of gear teeth on the registers106 and 107 in the two sets of perforations in the digit tapes 162.Incidentally, the stops 105 shown in FIG. 2 are secured to the digittapes 162 of FIG. 6.

In the diagrammatic showing of FIG. 7, the accumulator 100 is shownimmediately below the viewing windows 160. Other relevant majormechanical portions of the cash register assembly are labeled in FIG. 7,and are described in detail in the above-referenced cases of Messrs.Oldenburg and Greskovics. The cam line 166 and the center portion 168 ofthe accumulator assembly in the rest position are of particular interestin connection with FIG. 8 which will now be described.

With reference to FIG. 8, it is useful initially to note therelationship to FIG. 7 of the drawings. In this connection, note point166 which is the center of the cam line, and point 168 which is the restposition for the center of the accumulator. In FIG. 8, however, theaccumulator is actually shown in its shifted or operating position, withthe center of the accumulator at point 170. Other components which wereshown in FIG. 3 include the transfer bail 102, the lifting bail 140, thewedge I32 and the wedge bail 150.

Concerning the transfer bail 102, it is in the unactuated or 0-to-8position in whichthe transfer hook 108 is spaced back from the pins ordowels 110. When the transfer bail is rotated counterclockwise to itsoperated position just above one of the pins I10, and the accumulatorregister is moved upward from position 170 to the rest position 168, theaccumulator register 106 is advanced by one digit to complete a carryoperation. Overthrow protection is provided by having the hooks 108interact with two of the pins 110, and by delaying the release orknocking out of the bail latches for a short period of time after theaccumulator moves back to its rest position. The cam follower surface126 may also be noted, and it may be observed that the cam surfaces 122corresponding to the 9" position, and the cam surface 124 which wouldengage cam follower surface 126 when the register goes through -0, arenot operative in the showing of FIG. 8.

As noted previously, the transfer bails 102 have two tails which extendto the left in the showing of FIG. 8. In the foreground in FIG. 8, thesurface 136 is shown at an elevation slightly above the higher orderactuating surface 134. Other portions of the transfer bail 102 visiblein FIG. 8 include the latching corner and the hole 146 to which one endof biasing spring 172 is secured.

The biasing action of tension spring 172 may be clearly seen in FIG. 8in which the lower end of spring 172 is secured to the recesses 144 inthe lifting bail 140. The spring I72 both biases the transfer bail 102in the counterclockwise direction and biases the latch 132 in theclockwise sense.

It is noted in passing that transfer bails 102 and the lifting bail aremounted on the fixed axis 138. The latch 132 is mounted on the fixedshaft 174. The latch knockout bail 176 is also pivoted about shaft 174and is actuated at the end of each cycle as shown on timing chart FIG.12 to permit restoration of transfer bails 102 to their counterclockwiseor unoperated conditions. The fixed shaft 178 gives direction to theinitial movement of the wedges 132 as they are moved forward by theaction of the wedge bail to which they are pivotally secured by shaft180. The wedge bail 150 is pivotally mounted for rotation about fixedaxis 152.

The three bails 140, 150 and 176 are operated by dual cams which aremounted near the opposite ends of the cam line centered at point 166.The bails are provided with two cam pins, one on each side of themachine, which intertit with the recesses in the cam which is shown inFIGS. 9 and I0. Lifter bail 140 is provided with a cam pin 182; thewedge bail is provided with cam pin I84, and the latch knockout bail isprovided with cam pin 186. These cam pins fit into channels in thetransfer earn as shown and described below.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the accumulator assembly. Visible in FIG. 9 arethe registers .106 and the bails 102 which were shown broken out fromthe remaining structure in the isometric view of FIG. 3.

With regard to showings of FIG. 3 and FIG. 9, it should particularly benoted that the portions of the U-shaped bail forming the base of the Umay be located at different points to provide suitable clearance betweenparts. In the showing of FIG. 9, for example, the numbers 102 areapplied to the interconnecting portion which is located along the tailstructures rather than close to the pivot point, to provide clearancefor the transfer bails 103 which are associated with the interleavedregister.

To distinguish between the two registers, the subtotal accumulatorregister wheels are designated by the reference numeral 106 and theassociated transfer bails are designated by reference numeral 102. Thegrand total accumulator, however, includes registers designated byreference numerals 107 and 107, and the transfer bails designated 103and 103'. In connection with the interpretation of FIG. 9, it may alsobe noted that the reference numerals 102 and 103 in each case areassociated with the base or interconnecting portion of the transferbails 102, 103, or 103'. Particularly in connection with the transferbails 103 and 103' employed with the grand total register wheels 107 and107 the position of the base portion is shifted from one transfer bailto the next to provide adequate clearance. It may also be noted that thegrand total accumulator has two more orders or registers than thesubtotal accumulator. This is obviously desirable to accommodate thelarger numbers which will be included on a full days transactions. Theregisters 107 do not have gear teeth which engage digit tapes but merelyaccommodate overflow from the other registers which do receiveinformation directly from the digit tapes. The transfer bails 103 and103' supply transfer information to the higher order grand totalaccumulator registers 107. The pins 110 for both the grand totalregisters and the subtotal are visible in FIG. 9. It is also noted thatthe lifting bail, the latch knockout bail, and the wedge bail all serveboth of the two accumulators in each machine cycle.

FIGS. 10 and 11. show side and cross-sectional views of the bailactuating cam 188 which is mounted on cam line 166. In FIG. 10, theopening 190 in the center of the cam line conforms to the grooved shapeof the cam line shaft to which it is rigidly secured. Two cams which aremirror images of each other, are employed at opposite sides of thebusiness machine to actuate the various accumulator bails in a positivemanner. As shown in FIG. 11, the cam 188 is two-sided, and is providedwith cam pin receiving recesses on both of its surfaces. In FIG. 10, thetwo recesses which are shown are the latch knockout cam track 192 andthe wedge bail cam track 194. Two other tracks 196 and 198 are locatedon the other side of cam 188.

FIG. 12 shows a timing chart of certain critical operations of the cashregister under consideration. The chart plots the 360 rotation of thecam shaft which is mounted on axis 166 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, forexample. In the chart of FIG. 12 the action of the tapes in theirinitial restoring action and subsequent selection function is shown asextending from 0 to 100 for restoration and'from 140 to 280 forselection. The chart also shows the accumulator shifting from its restposition to the operating position between 100 and 140 and restoring tothe rest position between 310 and 340. Concerning the transfer bails102, the chart shows that the lifting bail 140 has rotated the transferbails to the 9" position during the interval from 0 to about 100 priorto the start of the selection portion of the cycle. As previouslymentioned, this avoids imparting undesired momentum to the transferbails and throwing them into the latched position when the registersreach the 9" position. At the end of the selection cycle at 280, thetransfer bails are allowed to return to their extreme counterclockwiseposition, if they have not been previously latched into their operatingposition by the digit selection action, or if the controlling registeris not at its 9 position.

The wedge bail action starts at 290 and continues in the forwarddirection to 310 and is then fully retracted by the 340 point in thecycle. Any transfer bails which are to be latched up will therefore belatched by the 310 point in the cycle. As mentioned above, theaccumulator restoration occurs from 3 10 to 340. During this interval,the transfer hooks 108 of the transfer bails 102 will have provided allappropriate carries, as the vertical movement of the accumulatorassembly causes engagement of the transfer hook with transfer pins 110.The latch knockout bail 176 operates at the 350 point in the cycle andpermits full restoration of all of the transfer bails 102 to theircounterclockwise (unlatched) positions at the end of the cycle.

As mentioned in the introduction of this specification, importantfeatures of the present invention include the many functions perfonnedby the single transfer element intercoupling successive registers ofeach of the interleaved accumulators, and the implementation of thecarry function as the register is being transferred from its operatingportion to the rest position. The positive, simultaneous transfer,subsequent to the entry of the digital information was also consideredto be important in the context of the other features.

' In the introduction of this specification, mention was made of theexistence of other prior art mechanisms for performing the transferfunction. Some of these prior references include two patents of HermanGang, US. Pat. Nos. 3,102,688 and 3,472,450, granted on Sept. 3, 1963and Oct. 14, 1969, respectively; 0. M. Phillip, US. Pat. No. 2,701,100,granted Feb. 1, 1955; and W. H. Brown, US. Pat. No; 1,214,886, grantedFeb. 6, 1917. The two Gang patents disclose related types of transfermechanisms; however, interleaved registers are not employed. Inaddition, the mechanisms are somewhat more complex than those of thepresent invention, in view of constraints imposed by the design criteriaof the machine. The Phillip patent has one similarity, that of usinginterleaved registers; however, a sequential type carry rather than thesimultaneous carry included in applicants apparatus, is employed andmany other differences are present. The Brown patent is pertinent in theuse of a transfer mechanism which operates as the position of theaccumulator is shifted. However, the Brown patent is not concerned withinterleaved accumulators and is quite different in its mode of operationin many other respects.

In closing, it is to be emphasized that the present invention is notlimited to the exact form shown in the drawings. Instead, for example,the principles of the invention are applicable to three accumulatorswith registers alternated on a single shaft; in addition, certainprinciples of the invention are applicable to a single accumulator, andto accumulators in which both addition and subtraction occurs. Also, thetransfer bail could be implemented in a mechanical form which differsfrom that shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings with the forces and torquesapplied to the transfer bail being applied to corresponding surfaces ofa bail having a different mechanical shape. Other variations inmechanical design could also be employed while using the underlyingconcepts of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An accumulator comprising:

a plurality of register elements representing respectively differentorders, each register element being mounted for rotation;

means for making carries or transfers between register elements, saidmeans including a plurality of transfer bails mounted with a single bailinterconnecting each register element to the next higher order registerelement of the accumulator; and

means for shifting each said bail to one of three respectively differentpositions relative to the higher order register element in accordancewith the position of the lower order register element.

2. An accumulator in accordance with claim 1 wherein each said registerelement includes a carnming track, and wherein each said bail has a camfollower surface which engages said camming track.

3. An accumulator as defined in claim 1 wherein means are provided forshifting the position of all of said register elements relative to saidbails, and wherein means are provided, including an extended portion ofeach said bail, for engaging the higher order register and introducing acarry into said higher order register upon the shifting of said registerelements.

4. An accumulator as defined in claim I wherein each said registerelement includes a cam track for engaging one of said bails and a seriesof digit elements for engaging another of said bails, and wherein eachsaid bail includes a cam follower surface for engaging the cam track ofthe lower order register element with which it is associated and anextending portion for selectively engaging one of said digit elements ofthe higher order register element with which said bail is associated.

5. in a business machine:

an accumulator assembly having first and second accumulators includingtwo sets of interleaved registers mounted on a single shaft;

means for moving said accumulator assembly between a rest position andan operating position;

a first set of U-shaped transfer bails interconnecting the registersrepresenting successive orders of one of said accumulators;

a second set of U-shaped transfer bails interconnecting the registersrepresenting successive orders of the other of said accumulators; and

means including said bails for positively and simultaneously advancingselected higher order registers to insert all carries upon movement ofsaid accumulator assembly from the operating position to the restposition.

6. A business machine as defined in claim wherein bails interconnectingregisters in successive orders are provided with adjacent controlsurfaces, and wedges are provided to bear on said control surfaces andactuate the higher order bail to its transfer condition when the bailsare appropriately positioned.

7. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said registers areprovided with cam surfaces and wherein said transfer bails include camfollowers engaging said cam surfaces for orienting said bails to provideappropriate transfer action in the next higher order register.

8. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said cam surface isprovided with three cam zones, the first representing digits 1" through8, the second representing 9 and the third representing 0.

9. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein one extension of atleast one of said transfer bails is provided with a cam following meansfor actuation by a lower order register, and another extension of saidbail is provided with a transfer means for mechanically engaging ahigher order register.

10. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein latch means areprovided for securing each bail in its operated position when the nextlower order register passes through thefO" position. A

11. In a transfer apparatus for handling carries between digital columnswhen two numbers are being added together;

a plurality of separate digital mechanisms for representing a pluralityof digital orders;

a plurality of inter-digit linkages, each having three positions forcoupling between a lower order digit mechanism and the next higher orderdigit mechanism, one of said three positions being a normal positioncorresponding to register digits l through 8;"

means for shifting each said linkage from said normal position to asecond predetermined position when the lower order digit is 9;"

means for shifting said linkage to a third predetermined carry" positionwhen the lower order digit has shifted from 9" to "0;"

means for latching each said inter-digit linkage into the carry"position;

means for shifting only those of said linkages which are in the 9"position to the carry" position if the adjacent lower order linkage isactuated to the carry position; and

means for subsequently advancing by one digit each higher order digitmechanism associated with an inter-digit linkage in the carry position.

12. A transfer apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein means areprovided for physically moving said digital mechanisms relative to saidlinkages following the entering of digital information and wherein saidshifting means is operative as said digital mechanisms are moved.

3. In a transfer apparatus for handling carries between digital columnswhen two numbers are being added together;

a plurality of separate digital mechanisms for representing a pluralityof digital orders;

a plurality of inter-digit linkages, each having three positions forcoupling between a lower order digit mechanism and the next higher orderdigit mechanism, one of said three positions being a normal positioncorresponding to register digits l through 8;"

means for shifting each said linkage from said normal position to asecond predetermined position when the lower order digit is 9";

means for shifting said linkage to a third predetermined carry" positionwhen the lower order digit has shifted from 9" to 0; and

means including wedges bearing on adjacent surfaces of adjacentinter-digit linkages for shifting only those of said linkages which arein the 9" position to the carry" position if the adjacent lower orderlinkage is actuated to the carry position.

i i i l i

1. An accumulator comprising: a plurality of register elementsrepresenting respectively different orders, each register element beingmounted for rotation; means for making carries or transfers betweenregister elements, said means including a plurality of transfer bailsmounted with a single bail interconnecting each register element to thenext higher order register element of the accumulator; and means forshifting each said bail to one of three respectively different positionsrelative to the higher order register element in accordance with theposition of the lower order register element.
 2. An accumulator inaccordance with claim 1 wherein each said register element includes acamming track, and wherein each said bail has a cam follower surfacewhich engages said camming track.
 3. An accumulator as defined in claim1 wherein means are provided for shifting the position of all of saidregister elements relative to said bails, and wherein means areprovided, including an extended portion of each said bail, for engagingthe higher order register and introducing a carry into said higher orderregister upon the shifting of said register elements.
 4. An accumulatoras defined in claim 1 wherein each said register element includes a camtrack for engaging one of said bails and a series of digit elements forengaging another of said bails, and wherein each said bail includes acam follower surface for engaging the cam track of the lower orderregister element with which it is associated and an extending portionfor selectively engaging one of said digit elements of the higher orderregister element with which said bail is associated.
 5. In a businessmachine: an accumulator assembly having first and second accumulatorsincluding two sets of interleaved registers mounted on a single shaft;means for moving said accumulator assembly between a rest position andan operating position; a first set of U-shaped transfer bailsinterconnecting the registers representing successive orders of one ofsaid accumulators; a second set of U-shaped transfer bailsinterconnecting the registers representing successive orders of theother of said accumulators; and means including said bails forpositively and simultaneously advancing selected higher order registersto insert all carries upon movement of said accumulator assembly fromthe operating position to the rest position.
 6. A business machine asdefined in claim 5 wherein bails interconnecting registers in successiveorders are provided with adjacent control surfaces, and wedges areprovided to bear on said control surfaces and actuate the higher orderbail to its transfer condition when the bails are appropriatelypositioned.
 7. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein saidregisters are provided with cam surfaces and wherein said transfer bailsinclude cam followers engaging said cam surfaces for orienting saidbails to provide appropriate transfer action in the next higher orderregister.
 8. A business machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said camsurface is provided with three cam zones, the first representing digits''''1'''' through ''''8,'''' the second representing ''''9'''' and thethird representing ''''0.''''
 9. A business machine as defined in claim5 wherein one extension of at least one of said transfer bails isprovided with a cam following means for actuation by a lower orderregister, and another extension of said bail is provided with a transfermeans for mechanically engaging a higher order register.
 10. A businessmachine as defined in claim 5 wherein latch means are provided forsecuring each bail in its operated position when the next lower orderregister passes through the ''''0'''' position.
 11. In a transferapparatus for handling carries between digital columns when two numbersare being added together; a plurality of separate digital mechanisms forrepresenting a plurality of digital orders; a plurality of inter-digitlinkages, each having three positions for coupling between a lower orderdigit mechanism and the next higher order digit mechanism, one of saidthree positions being a normal position corresponding to register digits''''1'''' through ''''8;'''' means for shifting each said linkage fromsaid normal position to a second predetermined position when the lowerorder digit is ''''9;'''' means for shifting said linkage to a thirdpredetermined ''''carry'''' position when the lower order digit hasshifted from ''''9'''' to ''''0;'''' means for latching each saidinter-digit linkage into the ''''carry'''' position; means for shiftingonly those of said linkages which are in the ''''9'''' position to the''''carry'''' position if the adjacent lower order linkage is actuatedto the carry position; and means for subsequently advancing by one digiteach higher order digit mechanism associated with an inter-digit linkagein the ''''carry'''' position.
 12. A transfer apparatus as set forth inclaim 11 wherein means are provided for physicaLly moving said digitalmechanisms relative to said linkages following the entering of digitalinformation and wherein said shifting means is operative as said digitalmechanisms are moved.
 13. In a transfer apparatus for handling carriesbetween digital columns when two numbers are being added together; aplurality of separate digital mechanisms for representing a plurality ofdigital orders; a plurality of inter-digit linkages, each having threepositions for coupling between a lower order digit mechanism and thenext higher order digit mechanism, one of said three positions being anormal position corresponding to register digits ''''1'''' through''''8;'''' means for shifting each said linkage from said normalposition to a second predetermined position when the lower order digitis ''''9''''; means for shifting said linkage to a third predetermined''''carry'''' position when the lower order digit has shifted from''''9'''' to ''''0;'''' and means including wedges bearing on adjacentsurfaces of adjacent inter-digit linkages for shifting only those ofsaid linkages which are in the ''''9'''' position to the ''''carry''''position if the adjacent lower order linkage is actuated to the carryposition.